About this artwork
Islamic textiles informed the design of this 19th-century printed curtain. William Morris, a key figure in the British Arts and Crafts Movement, reportedly fashioned this pattern after watching birds steal strawberries from his kitchen garden. The flattened profile of the birds as well as the stylization of the plant forms highlight Morris’s appreciation and adaptation of Islamic designs.
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Currently Off View
- Textiles
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Artists
- William Morris (Designer) , Morris & Co. (Producer) , Merton Abbey Works (Printer)
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Title
- Strawberry Thief (Furnishing Fabric)
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Places
- England (Object made in), London (Object made in), Wimbledon (Object made in)
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Dates
- Made 1890-1899 , Patented 1883
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Medium
- Cotton; plain weave, block printed, wool trim with tassels
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Inscriptions
- Inscription (label on reverse): MORRIS & COMPANY Upholsterers 499, OXFORD STREET LONDON, W
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Dimensions
- 283 × 106 cm (111 1/2 × 41 3/4 in.) Repeat: 50.9 × 46 cm (20 × 18 1/8 in.)
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Credit Line
- Restricted gift of John H. Bryan, Hope McCormick, and Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation; and the Textile Society
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Reference Number
- 1992.396
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.